Amphetamine
AMP
ng/ml
Cut-Off Levels
Rapid Urine Test: 300, 500, 1,000 ng/mL
Rapid Oral Fluid Test: 25 ng/mL
WOD
Window of Detection Times
Urine Specimen: 1 – 3 Days
Rapid Oral Fluid Test: 48 Hours
What is Amphetamine?
Amphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that elevates dopamine and norepinephrine levels, resulting in increased alertness, energy, and focus. In medical settings, prescription amphetamines—such as dextroamphetamine and mixed amphetamine salts—are used to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, and less commonly for short-term weight management. These medications are produced in regulated tablet or capsule form, sometimes with extended-release beads, and are taken orally under a provider’s supervision.
Illicit or recreational amphetamine appears in various unregulated forms, including powders, crystals, and counterfeit pills. These versions may range in color from white to yellowish and are often ingested, snorted, or, in some cases, injected to produce euphoria, heightened energy, and prolonged wakefulness. Because street amphetamines lack quality control, users face significant risks such as contamination, unpredictable potency, cardiovascular strain, dependence, and addiction. Recreational use often follows binge patterns, increasing both short-term harm and long-term health consequences.
Effects:
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Increased alertness, energy, and focus
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Elevated mood or sense of euphoria
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Decreased appetite
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Increased heart rate and blood pressure
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Dilated pupils and heightened sensory perception
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Restlessness, agitation, or anxiety
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Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
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Rapid breathing and increased body temperature
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Risk of dependence, cravings, and compulsive use
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Potential for paranoia, aggression, or hallucinations at high doses
Commons Slang Terms:
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Speed
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Uppers
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Pep pills
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Bennies
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Dexies
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Go-fast
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Black beauties
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Crank
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Zoomers
Legal Status:
Amphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. This means it has recognized medical uses—such as treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy—but also carries a high potential for abuse and dependence. Because of this strict scheduling, both prescribed and illicit use are closely monitored, and organizations that conduct drug screening are expected to test for amphetamines as part of standard toxicology panels.
For point-of-care rapid toxicology testing programs—including workplaces, treatment programs, courts, and government supervision settings—this legal status makes amphetamine one of the core drug classes included in nearly all rapid test devices. Screening for amphetamines helps programs differentiate between legitimate prescription use (which can later be verified through documentation or confirmation testing) and non-medical or illicit use. In many regulated environments—such as federally mandated testing for transportation safety-sensitive positions—amphetamine screening is not optional but required under federal guidelines.
Because amphetamine can be legally prescribed, POC programs must have clear procedures for handling positive screens, including confirmatory laboratory testing when needed and a mechanism for verifying valid prescriptions. This ensures compliance with federal law, reduces liability, and helps organizations make informed decisions while maintaining fairness and accuracy in their monitoring programs.
Screening Options:
LEGEND
CLIA-Waived Testing Options Available
Integrated Urine Test Cup Options Available
Urine Dip Card Test Options Available
Oral Fluid Testing Options Available
Urine Dip Card Test Options Available
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Phone
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Boca Raton, FL 33486
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How is it Used?
Amphetamines are generally taken orally or injected. However, the addition of “ice,” the slang name of crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride, has promoted smoking as another mode of administration. Just as “crack” is smokable cocaine, “ice” is smokable methamphetamine.
What are the Effects?
The effects of amphetamines and methamphetamine are similar to cocaine, but their onset is slower and their duration is longer. In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed from the brain and is almost completely metabolized, methamphetamine remains in the central nervous system longer, and a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body, producing prolonged stimulant effects. Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by: Paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic abusers of amphetamines and methamphetamine. Drugs that cause similar effects include: dexmethylphendiate, phentermine, benzphetamine, phendimetrazine, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, and khat.
What does it look like?
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that come in various forms depending on their preparation and use. Prescription amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, are typically available as tablets or capsules for medical treatment, while illicit forms, commonly referred to as “speed” or “crystal meth,” are often found as powders, crystals, or pastes. Some amphetamines may also appear as liquids for injection. The appearance of amphetamines varies widely, with key forms outlined below:
- Powder: Fine, off-white, or pinkish powder.
- Crystals: Coarse granules resembling salt or sugar.
- Tablets: Small, colored pills with identifying imprints (prescription).
- Liquid: Dissolved form for injection (less common).
- Paste: Sticky, semi-solid substance (found in some illicit versions).
Packaging can range from labeled pharmaceutical containers for prescriptions to plastic bags or foil wraps for illicit products.
Common Symptoms of Use
Physical effects of amphetamine use include increased blood pressure and pulse rates, insomnia, loss of appetite, and physical exhaustion.
Overdose effects include agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death.
Legal Status
Amphetamine are Schedule II stimulants, which means that they have a high potential for abuse and limited medical uses. Pharmaceutical products are available only through a prescription.
Rapid Testing Options
- Integrated Urine Test Cup
- Urine Dip Card Test
- Oral Fluid Test
- Field Test
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